Anton von Störck

Austrian physician and medical pioneer

Anton von Störck

Anton von Störck (21 February 1731 – 11 February 1803) was a prominent Austrian physician and a pioneer in the field of toxicology and pharmacology. He is best known for his systematic study of the effects of various medicinal plants and his contributions to the understanding of their therapeutic and toxic properties.

Early Life and Education

Anton von Störck was born in Saulgau, in the Holy Roman Empire, which is now part of Germany. He pursued his medical studies at the University of Vienna, where he was influenced by the teachings of Gerard van Swieten, a leading figure in the reform of medical education in Vienna. Störck graduated with a degree in medicine in 1757.

Career

After completing his education, Störck began his career at the Vienna General Hospital, where he quickly gained a reputation for his meticulous research and innovative approaches to medicine. He was appointed as a professor at the University of Vienna, where he taught medicine and pharmacology.

Research on Medicinal Plants

Störck is best known for his pioneering work on the medicinal properties of plants. He conducted extensive research on the effects of various plants, including aconite, henbane, and hemlock. His methodical approach involved administering small doses of these plants to himself and carefully documenting their effects. This was a significant departure from the traditional reliance on anecdotal evidence and marked a shift towards a more scientific approach to pharmacology.

Störck's work laid the foundation for the modern field of toxicology. He was one of the first to systematically study the dose-dependent effects of plant-based substances, distinguishing between their therapeutic and toxic properties. His publications on the subject were widely read and translated into several languages, influencing medical practice across Europe.

Contributions to Medicine

In addition to his research on medicinal plants, Störck made significant contributions to the understanding of disease and treatment. He advocated for the use of empirical evidence in medical practice and emphasized the importance of clinical observation and experimentation. His work helped to establish the principles of modern clinical pharmacology.

Legacy

Anton von Störck's contributions to medicine and pharmacology were recognized during his lifetime, and he was appointed as the personal physician to Empress Maria Theresa of Austria. His work continued to influence medical practice long after his death, and he is remembered as a pioneer in the scientific study of medicinal plants.

Related Pages

• Pharmacology
• Toxicology
• Medicinal plants
• University of Vienna
• Gerard van Swieten